Fake coins, on offer by a Russian company called “Katz Coins & Notes” or “Coinsking.” These items have no monetary or numismatic value.

(Thursday, October 27)–The government of the British Virgin Islands is advising the public, especially coin collectors, that “coins” purported to be issued in the name of the British Virgin Islands have been offered for sale to coin dealers and the general public. (Two examples are shown above.) The coins are being sold from a website originating in Russia, by a company calling themselves “Katz Coins & Notes” or “Coinsking” with offices in Novosibirsk. The designs feature the Sibir Hockey Club in Russia and animals from Novosibirsk Zoo. The seller also purport to have offices in Prague, Czech Republic. The coins are also being sold by two dealers on ebay.

All are advised that these “coins” have never been approved by the government, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, or Her Majesty the Queen. Immediate action is being taken to investigate the perpetrators of this distribution. In the meantime, the government of the British Virgin Islands is alerting any potential purchasers that these items are not authorized coins, and thus have no collector value.

The poor quality and lack of detail of these pieces should both alert and deter any collector who considers adding these items to their collection or parting with money to purchase counterfeit or worthless items.

If you encounter these coins either on ebay or by a direct-marketing offer, do not purchase them, as these items are false and have no monetary or collector value. For information about genuine and authorized coins issued by the Treasury of the British Virgin Islands, please visit the website of Pobjoy Mint at http://www.pobjoy.com/products/commemorative-coins/british-virgin-Islands.

Coin Update is not a retail website. If you wish to buy a coin or banknote, you should contact a reputable dealer. One of our sponsors (see ads at right and top of page) may also have what you’re looking for, so be sure to check out their websites.

Per policy, we do not advise on the value, authenticity, or rarity of readers’ coins and banknotes. For this kind of assistance, you should contact a reputable dealer, preferably one who’s certified by the American Numismatic Association and/or the Professional Numismatists Guild.

Vulgar and/or abusive comments will not be tolerated. Nor will trolls.

Allegations of fraudulent or criminal activity against a named party, when said activity has not been proven in a court of law, will be removed.

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